Suspension - Knocking

[SteveB VXR8]

Have had my R8 since 20,000 miles & still under warranty. When I bought it there was a knocking noise over cobbles & drains from the LHF side which we all know is usually the lower wishbone; the previous owners garage obviously didn't know of this fault as they had replaced practically the whole of the front suspension.

I had the lower wishbones replaced under warranty & that cured the problem @ 24,000 miles.

Here I am at 45,000 miles & the LHF side is starting to knock again but no where near as much as when I first had the car.

Question how long do these lower wishbones last? Surely a part should last longer that 2 years & 20,000 miles under normal driving conditions & would I have redress against Vauxhall/Thurlow Nunn?

Car passed the MOT ok but probably will be wise to change it before next year.

Thoughts please?

[breakdown]

The original parts are soft.I replaced all of mine with pedders arms from monkfish.38000 miles,odd track day and a performace course-no problems.

[edgun]

Thease parts are prone to go at any time made of cheese apparently.

[H5V VE]

Both the straight and curved arms can go.

When you say that you had them replaced was that both arms. If not it could well be the other one (or both)

As the previous posters have said, they are not long lasting parts.

[mik_ok]

Several updates to these parts over the years - see this thread ~ presumably GM started adding more metal/rubber in place of the cheese (?)

If the clunks aren't as dramatic as you had previously then ARB droplinks and top-mount bushes are also potential causes.

[SteveB VXR8]

Thanks for the replies, had both sides lower wishbones changed @ 24k & the struts too.

Will monitor the noise & get it checked out for any excess play.

[SteveB VXR8]

Thanks for the replies, had both sides lower wishbones changed @ 24k & the struts too.

Will monitor the noise & get it checked out for any excess play.

[MatrixXXx]

Just out of interest does applying the brakes affect the noise, i had a new ball joint replaced but the clunking is still there. I can make the noise happen by applying the brakes on and off at very low speed , and from the outside it almost looks like the calipers are moving ever so slightly. (just passed its mot).

[breakdown]

The front 'tie'bars-the bendy ones knock.But you will not get any play on them-i.e. mot testing. Only when you disconnect them from car that play can be detected. When you apply brakes gently the joint will knock.Pedders arms from Monkfish solves the problem. Also very rare but check the caliper mount bolts.

[SteveB VXR8]

I don't get a knock from the brakes (just low speed squeel, cured that with some high speed stops)it's just as I said low speed over manholes and uneven surfaces.

Someone with some experience suggested spraying WD40 onto all the rubber mountings which is worth a try too; I used to own a modern V8 Mustang Cobra and a similar knocking was caused by the rubber suspension mounts perishing in the heat.....but I don't think heat is a problem in the UK at the moment!!

First port of call will be the lower wishbone as that cured the noise last time & it's very similar now.

Thanks for all the helpful advice.

[wildfowler]

Thanks for the info Steve I have had the same problem since I burn the old LS2 clutch out and had to jump a kerb as I though the car was on fire

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Sorry for the heavy edit. It's to prevent any name and shame issues.

Edited by richie slow on Friday 13th September 20:08

[MatrixXXx]

update: i was under the car while some one turned the wheel and someone else dabed the brakes, it feels like it is the biggest arm that goes to the front there is slight play in the front bush.
does anyone know if you can buy this bush and get it pushed in by garage with the right equipment?

[MatrixXXx]

update: i was under the car while some one turned the wheel and someone else dabed the brakes, it feels like it is the biggest arm that goes to the front there is slight play in the front bush.
does anyone know if you can buy this bush and get it pushed in by garage with the right equipment?

[MatrixXXx]

Update:

replaced front LHS swan arm, noise now gone. ball joint corroded even though covered in grease?

[SteveB VXR8]

Guys,

Am getting my VXR8 lower control arms checked Wed. If they have to dismantle it the manual says new bolts & nuts & Monkfish is closed today.

Are they metric & what size, can my garage (Aston Martin) get hold of them easily enough?

Any advice gratefully received!

[snowwolf]

SteveB VXR8 said:

Guys,

Am getting my VXR8 lower control arms checked Wed. If they have to dismantle it the manual says new bolts & nuts & Monkfish is closed today.

Are they metric & what size, can my garage (Aston Martin) get hold of them easily enough?

Any advice gratefully received!

I would say as long as the bolts do not show signs of wear when cleaned up they could be used again no problem.

[SteveB VXR8]

Cheers, are they a standard size & easy to source?

[ARAF]

SteveB VXR8 said:

Cheers, are they a standard size & easy to source?

I don't know the sizes, but it may not just be a case of length and thread. You'll also need to get the right tensile strength, or they could loosen or snap in use.

[snowwolf]

As Araf mentioned, they have to be the correct tensile strength, if you don't have new ones then always best to put old ones back and not use any ole bolt off the shelf, I would always clean the thread up and put a bit of medium strength thread lock adhesive on before fitting the nut.

[SteveB VXR8]

Thanks, saw that in the Manual. Will post how I get on